# Shoebridge wins Greens leadership in contested ballot

> Senator David Shoebridge defeats two women to lead the Australian Greens and vows to replace Labor as the progressive party.
- Title: Shoebridge wins Greens leadership in contested ballot
- Summary: Senator David Shoebridge defeats two women to lead the Australian Greens and vows to replace Labor as the progressive party. David Shoebridge won a rare…
- Keywords: david shoebridge, australian greens, greens leadership, australian politics, labor party, news, politics, Shoebridge, wins, Greens, leadership, contested
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/australia-news/video/2026/oct/03/can-the-greens-beat-labor-back-to-back-barries-podcast
- Published: 2026-10-02T19:00:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: david shoebridge, australian greens, greens leadership, australian politics, labor party, news, politics
## Shoebridge wins rare contested ballot
Senator David Shoebridge defeated two women to become the new leader of the Australian Greens in a rare contested ballot this week.
## Shoebridge vows to replace Labor
In his first remarks after being elected, Shoebridge said the Greens are here to replace Labor as the progressive party in Australian politics.

> we're here to replace Labor
## Questions about direction ahead
Barrie Cassidy and Sean Kelly discuss what direction Shoebridge will take the progressive party and whether he can deliver on his claim to replace Labor.
## Prime minister's surprise remarks
At George Megalogenis' Melbourne book launch, the prime minister said something that surprised both Cassidy and Kelly, former political advisers.
## Victorian election polls examined
As the Victorian election draws nearer, Cassidy and Kelly examine what the polls reveal about how the election could play out.
## Key takeaway

David Shoebridge won a rare contested Greens leadership ballot this week, defeating two women, and says the party will replace Labor.